OUTCAST: Trust, Friendship, And Injustice (Beauty 0f Life Book 9)

by Laura Acton

  Inhaling and affixing a grin to his face, he started forward. Reaching Dan’s room, his mouth gaped as he stared. Empty. Where the hell is Dan? His heart dropped. Dammit, he must be in surgery. With swift, long strides he ate up the distance between the room and the nurses’ station. Bram waited impatiently as the young nurse who sat at the desk finished a phone call giving a doctor status on a patient.

  When she peered up at him, her lips set in a grim line. Oh no, this isn’t a good sign. Bram found the strength to ask, “Dan Broderick, room D. What is his status?”

  The ICU nurse assumed the official nurse face. Or at least that is what Bram called it. An emotionless one when they recite facts to families who must deal with harsh realities regarding their loved ones. Bram’s heart skipped a beat. Dan must have had a serious turn for the worse, but he is a fighter. He will pull through whatever happened.

  With no emotion, Jean said, “I’m sorry, he’s gone.”

  Unprepared for the news, Bram staggered back against the wall behind him. His legs would not hold him up. He sank to the floor. Gone! No! Oh God, no. Dan’s gone. Dan died. Bram’s throat constricted, lungs seized, and vision started to fade with lack of oxygen. The nurse rushed around the desk and was in front of him in a few seconds. He managed to draw in a breath and a second one before he murmured, “When? How?”

  ICU Head Nurse Lois Clarry already had an eventful morning dealing with the Head of Phlebotomy after learning from Sherry of Kaylah’s failure to follow procedure, resulting in misidentification and harm of a patient. Rounding the corner, Lois took in the scene, noting Bram’s stricken, ashen face and caught his one-word questions.

  Racing toward Bram, she demanded, “Jean, what happened?”

  “He asked where Dan Broderick is, and I informed him he is gone.”

  Lois glared at Jean. How many fools must I suffer today? Harshly she barked, “Don’t they teach you NEVER to say that to someone in ICU?”

  Jean bit her bottom lip nervously as her boss scolded her.

  Lois crouched next to Bram and put her hand on his shoulder drawing his eyes to her. Kindly but firmly she said, “Breathe, Bram, breathe. Dan is alive. Jean did not mean Dantastic died. She meant he left St. Michael’s. The woman who was with him, Dame Ridgewater, moved him from the hospital.”

  His racing, pounding heart began to settle though his raw emotions still ran high and choked his words. “Why? When? Where? Is he safe?” He tried to rise on his still wobbly legs. He couldn’t do it on his own. Nurse Clarry helped him up and stabilized him against the wall.

  Worried Bram might fall over if she let go, Lois said, “Dr. Fraser can give you the details. I’ll contact him. Come, let me take you someplace quiet so you can relax a moment. You’re still white as a sheet.”

  She turned to Jean. “Find Dr. Fraser and tell him Dantastic’s team is here and he needs to come explain things to them.” Lois held on to one arm as she slowly led a wobbly Bram to the staff lounge.

  Jean Bunker nodded and scurried off, feeling like a complete dingbat for the way she communicated to the officer.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – ER Waiting Room – 9:00 a.m.

  “Family of Constable Baldovino?” a doctor called out after exiting the treatment area. As three men in TRF uniforms approached him, he glanced down at his paperwork the back up at them as they halted. “I’m Dr. Ethan Lindsay. Are any of you a Raymundo Palomo?”

  “That’s me.” Ray indicated.

  Ethan grinned. “Dante requested I bring you to him.”

  Ray’s weary face brightened at the positive sign. “What’s his condition?”

  Ethan tapped his pen on the clipboard, a nervous habit. “He is stable but experiencing dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, a slight loss of coordination, and a massive headache. The skin around his nose and mouth is somewhat irritated as well. All to be expected with excessive exposure to chloroform.

  “The chemical can depress the central nervous system, so we will be keeping him for a day or two to monitor for any negative effects to his respiratory system and cardiac abnormalities. We will also run a few tests to ensure he suffered no damage to his kidneys or liver. We will be moving him to a room shortly. Mr. Palomo, I’ll take you back now.”

  Following Lindsay, Ray didn’t bother to say a single thing to Nick or Jon. They could find out further details from the information desk for all he cared at the moment. His focus would be on Loki’s well-being.

  Nick sighed. “I’ll call Mrs. Baldovino.”

  “I’ll grab us coffee while we wait for Loki’s room number.” Jon went to the vending machine, relieved both Loki and Kinsey had not been severely injured.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – ICU – Staff Lounge – 9:05 a.m.

  After guiding Bram to a chair and helping him sit, Lois took his pulse before going to their fridge and grabbing an orange juice box. Plunging the straw in for him, she handed it to him and hovered while he drank. When he finished, Lois retook Bram’s pulse, relieved the rate began to return to normal.

  That little ninny of a nurse doesn’t realize her careless choice of words shocked and hurt a member of Dan’s family. Lois studied Bram, noting he remained pale. She would not leave him alone, afraid he might pass out. In a gentle and caring tone, Lois asked, “Is there anything else I can get you?”

  “No. Thank you, Lois.” Bram crossed his arms on the table and lay his head on them as fatigue overtook him. The past few days sucked. I need to find out where and why Dan was moved then go home to Kellie. I need her strength to cope with all this shit. My best friend and boss behaved abhorrently, causing Dan to leave. How the hell do I deal with this? Kellie is my rock, maybe seeking her advice on this whole mess will help.

  As he waited for Dr. Fraser, his mind wandered yet again. Lexa is not blameless, but I can see both sides … Lexa needs the team as much as Dan does. She would be afraid of losing another family. Lexa told Dan she loved him … wow, Lexa doesn’t express that emotion. She is closed off to expressing most feelings other than anger, except when negotiating to save someone’s life. If she said it, she meant it, regardless of when or how. Lexa loves Dan. Dan loves Lexa. Those two are between a rock and a hard place.

  Dr. Fraser opened the door to the breakroom and spotted Lois. This was one message he did not relish giving. Ridgewater had been extremely angry … her ire directed at Dan’s team. He wondered what happened to cause the rift, but he would not pry. Malcolm would deliver the message and leave.

  Steeling himself, Malcolm approached the table as Lois tapped Bram’s shoulder. He slightly relaxed since he would be communicating with Bram. The gigantic man would be calm and concerned, whereas if he faced Jon, the tactical lead would likely rage. As Bram lifted his head and turned to him, he noted his pallor, Jean’s unfortunate words caused him anguish.

  “Hello, Bram. I apologize for Nurse Bunker’s unfortunate choice of words. That must’ve shocked you. I can assure you Dan was doing well when he left. The bleeding slowed considerably, and he didn’t require surgery. He is under the care of a private physician and nurse. Dame Ridgewater was very clear he would receive proper care. Said only the best for her boy.”

  Gathering himself, Bram sat more erect, glad of the prognosis, but concerned about who moved Dan. “Sergeant Pastore is Dan’s medical proxy and both his parents are out of the country. Who authorized him to be moved out of protective custody and when?”

  “They left about six hours ago. Ridgewater claimed she possessed permission of his mother, Yvonne Broderick, but I refused to accept her word.” Fraser handed him the letter. “This is the only reason I allowed Ridgewater to move Dan without his mother or Pastore being present.”

  Bram stared at the letterhead of the Prime Minister of Canada granting Grand Dame Marbella Ridgewater authorization to remove Dan. Holy crap. Dan has secrets galore. Bram needed to understand the connection between Ridgewater and Dan. She had looked at Dan with such tender eyes. Dan’s agitation had been palpable when he wanted her
protected.

  He peered at Dr. Fraser. “Thank you for the information. Did she provide a phone number or leave any details on where Dan would be relocated?” The expression crossing Fraser’s face made Bram wary. He could sense he wouldn’t like the answer.

  Swallowing hard, stalling, hating to be the messenger, Malcolm finally said, “No, she would not say where she was taking him nor did she give me contact information. However, as Dame Ridgewater dismissed me, she said in an abrasive manner, ‘Tell his sergeant and tactical leader Danny is on vacation. He is with family who would NEVER hurt him. Danny will be doing some soul searching, and he will decide IF he wants to return.’ That is a direct quote. I’m not sure what she meant, but I can tell you she was rather ticked off. Not a woman I would want to cross … highly connected and quite intimidating.”

  Two thoughts entered Bram’s head. First, thank goodness Dan had someone he confided in and who would look after him. Second, he understood exactly what Bella meant. He rose and held out a hand to shake Fraser’s. “Thanks for taking excellent care of Dan and for relaying her message. I will pass it on.” Bram strode out of the nurses’ break room and toward the elevators. As he did so, his anger for Jon and Nick began to rise again. We may lose Dan. He may decide not to come back.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – Waiting Room – 9:30 a.m.

  As the elevator descended, Bram’s anger ascended. By the time he reached ground level, his rage had reached a fevered pitch. The lack of sleep impeding his ability to control his emotions. Ending up in the ER waiting area, he noted Ray was gone. Must be with Loki. He spotted Pastore and Hardy sitting in the far corner and strode over to them.

  Nick and Jon watched as Bram approached them, his demeanor reflected extreme distress. Their combat specialist was pale, visibly shaking, and unshed tears glistened in his eyes.

  Bram exploded. All his fury directed at them as he thundered, “He’s gone! Because of you, Dan is gone.”

  Unable to bear looking at either of them anymore Bram turned on his heel and rapidly strode out of the hospital.

  Stunned, immobilized by Bram’s words Jon stared at the back of his retreating friend as the news hit him. Dan’s dead? How? When? Guilt crashed down on him. Dan wouldn’t have died if I hadn’t …

  Nick gaped, his heart flattened by the weight of despair pressing down on him. He drew in a ragged breath. What am I going to tell General and Mrs. Broderick? Lexa? Loki? Ray? All Dan’s family? This will crush everyone. I failed him … I’m to blame.

  For the space of ten seconds, they were held in place by the onslaught of emotions too painful to process. Then both were up and racing after Bram.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – Parking Lot

  Catching up to Bram, Jon grabbed his buddy’s arm and spun him around. Having lost all control of his emotions as guilt invaded his soul, Jon bellowed, “How? When?” Jon never saw the right hook that connected solidly with his jaw and knocked him flat on his ass, fully dazed.

  When Nick tried to grab his arm, Bram raised his fist at his sergeant and yelled, “Don’t touch me!” Bram threw the crumpled letter at Nick’s feet, turned, and sprinted to the SUV. Yanking open the door, he hopped in, started the ignition, rammed it into gear, and tore out of the hospital’s lot.

  Both stared after the receding vehicle wholly washed in the soul-searing pain of Dan’s death. Nick dropped his head and stared at the ground. After a few moments, he noticed the piece of paper at his feet. Vaguely he recalled Bram throwing something. He reached down and picked it up.

  Un-crumpling the sheet, shock registered on Nick’s face as he viewed the letterhead. Incredulity followed as he read the contents. Relief and total unbounded joy saturated him. He whispered. “Dan’s alive.”

  Jon’s head whipped upward to Nick. “What did you say?” Nick gave him the paper. Thunderstruck as he spied the official letterhead and scanned the authorization. Jon remained sitting in the middle of the aisle. He had no energy left … completely spent. Tears of relief welled in his eyes as he put his face in his hands.

  Nick turned to Jon and placed a hand on his shoulder. In a low-spirited, self-loathing, reflective tone, Nick said, “Lesson learned.”

  Jon peered up to him and in a dulled voice asked, “What do you mean?”

  Holding a hand out to help Jon up, Nick’s tone reflected the misery of his desolate heart, “Words can hurt. They can shred your heart and soul.”

  After All Has Been Said and Done

  28

  May 9

  St. Michael’s Hospital – ER Treatment Room 4

  Ray stood outside the doorway to Loki’s cubicle, took several deep breaths, and arranged his features, putting on a smiling face. He strode confidently into the room. “Hey, buddy.” He deliberately kept his voice soft and his tone smooth.

  Loki turned towards the door.

  Noting the slight pink around Loki’s nose and mouth, the irritation the doctor spoke of, creases of pain in his forehead indicating a headache, and his half-open eyes, Ray decided his friend was wiped out. He moved to the chair close to the bed. As he sat, he patted Loki’s hand. “Glad to find you awake. Reminded me of Sleeping Beauty lying on the huge bed.”

  “Nah, Princess Aurora’s hair is black, not white,” Loki attempted a little weak humor to lighten the mood.

  “I was talking about after I removed your lovely wig. How ya doing, besides a killer headache?”

  Loki began making a gagging sound and frantically pointed to the emesis basin as he rolled to his side.

  Ray rushed to grab the plastic basin for him. Once Loki finished vomiting and dry heaving, Ray handed him a cup of water to rinse. Placing the puke dish on the counter, he wetted a washcloth and returned to Loki. As he handed over the cloth, he smiled. “That good, huh?”

  Loki wiped his face, let his hands fall to the mattress, rested his head on his pillows, and closed his eyes, fatigued from the effort of retching and from the simple act of cleaning around his mouth. “Did we get them?”

  “Yeah, we got them all. They can’t hurt Dantastic or anyone else again. They are going away for a long time.”

  “The rest of the team? Everyone okay?”

  Ray took the washcloth from Loki’s hand and put it in the sink. “Mostly. Kinsey is okay, but Bozonnet kicked her jaw and knocked her out. Luckily, no fractures, though the bastard was wearing steel-toed boots. The doctor already released her, and she is at home. Did you know she is engaged to a guy named Kane? A pleasant guy. He’s a real estate agent, I think.

  “You should’ve seen Kinsey take down the guy who swung at her. Girl’s got some sweet moves. Swept his feet right out from under him.” He wanted to keep Loki talking about miscellaneous items for a while, recognizing the subject of Dan would come up eventually.

  They talked for another ten minutes about how the trap went down, but Ray omitted Robert’s entire dialog. He couldn’t tell Loki any of that … the words would hurt him too much. Loki appeared to nod off before an orderly came in to move him to his room. Dead tired himself, Ray followed the gurney to the seventh floor.

  St. Michael’s Hospital – Loki’s Room – 9:45 a.m.

  Shortly after arriving in the room, a nurse entered to take Loki’s vitals and hook up the heart and oxygen monitors. Though quiet and deft in her movements, Loki woke during the process, glanced over at Ray, and grinned, happy to have a friend near. “Sorry for nodding off while you were talking. What did I miss?”

  “Nothing. You needed the rest. No worries.” Ray spotted the red light on Loki’s index finger for the pulse-ox meter. He joked, “ET phone home.”

  Loki chuckled softly. “Man, you’re slap-happy if you’re quoting from a movie. Evidence you gotta rest too.” Loki checked the time and did a quick calculation. “Go home, bro. You’ve been up for over twenty-seven hours.”

  Moving the chair to the corner, Ray shook his head. “No, I’ll grab some shut-eye here. Shouldn’t be behind the wheel anyway, not safe for anyone. Besides, didn
’t drive here, rode in the bus with you.” He sunk onto the uncomfortable butt and back torture device and leaned his head on the wall. He closed his eyes as Loki nodded and shut his too.

  As Ray relaxed and drifted, he was relieved Loki had not asked about Dan yet. Luck, however, was not on his side and he was pulled from the verge of sleep when Loki asked, “How’s Dan? Did the bleeding stop? Did they have to do surgery?”

  Cracking an eye open, Ray said, “Sorry, buddy, I’m not sure … a bit too worried about you. Bram went off to check but wasn’t back when …” Ray’s phone buzzed. Pulling out his cell he grinned. “Speak of the devil. Hang on a moment. It’s Bram.” He answered, “Hey, what’s the word?”

  Almost home, Bram realized after everything had been said and done, he forgot to tell Ray about Dan’s status. He pulled into a parking lot and dialed him. Now numb, having discharged his pent-up anger on Jon and Nick, when the call connected Bram said, “Dan’s doing alright. Bleeding slowed, but he is no longer at the hospital. I need to share something else with you too.”

  “What?”

  “Dame Ridgewater with the approval of Mrs. Broderick whisked Dan away and did not say where they went. Ridgewater left a message specifically for Nick and Jon which leads me to believe Dan told her what occurred.”

  “What did she say?” Ray didn’t like Bram’s implication.

  “Ridgewater said, Dan is with family who would never hurt him, he will be doing soul-searching, and he will decide if he wants to return to TRF. Jon’s asinine words might’ve driven Dan from the team this time.”

  Forgetting to cover his emotions, Ray sat straight up, his volume increasing, “Damn! What are we going to do?” Immediately he realized his mistake as Loki’s face contorted with concern. He dialed way back to a smooth, calm tone he perfected over the years. “Bram, I’m with Loki. Room seven sixty-two if you want to visit after grabbing some sleep. I’m gonna go now. I’ll give Loki the update. I’ll talk to you sometime tomorrow.”

  Bram caught the drift. They would talk privately before meeting with Jon and Nick. For now, Loki and Kinsey would remain in the dark. “Your place would be best, so my girls don’t overhear. Does tomorrow at one o’clock work for you?”